Sustainable Tourism Observatories

The mission of this Observatory is to monitor supply and demand in this destination and to develop it as a sustainable tourism destination, thereby enhancing the role that tourism can play in the development of this region and in reduce regional inequality.

The Sustainable Tourism Observatory Centro de Portugal is tasked with monitoring regional and sub-regional tourism activity, thereby contributing to a better integrated understanding of the sector, and plays a key role in supporting decision-making for all business owners and public decision-makers in Central Portugal.

This observatory fulfils one of the objectives set out in the 2020–2030 Tourism Action Plan for the Central Region, which involves the development of a Tourism Observatory, in line with the guidelines of the European Tourism Indicator System for Sustainable Destinations.

The Lisbon Sustainable Tourism Observatory’s mission is to monitor supply and demand in the region on an sustainable basis, in cooperation with national and international counterparts, with an emphasis on providing structured data to support decision-making.

The Alentejo Sustainable Tourism Observatory is based at the University of Évora and aims to monitor the progress of sustainable tourism development in the Alentejo and Lezíria do Tejo, viewing the provision of information as a key asset for the capacity-building of the region’s tourism stakeholders and for the development of the region’s research and development system.

The mission of the Algarve Sustainable Tourism Observatory is to promote the adoption of sustainable practices within the Algarve’s tourism sector, by encouraging decision-making processes leading to the creation of a healthier, greener, more resilient and regenerated tourist destination, offering a better quality of life, improved transport options, greater safety and even better environmental standards.

OTSA’s mission is to promote the study, dissemination and monitoring of the evolution of tourism activity in an independent and responsible manner, ensuring the integrity of its technical and scientific output, in order to contribute to the development of sustainable tourism in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, in line with global regional development strategies.

The Madeira Tourism Observatory is responsible for coordinating the Local Working Group, which will involve the regional tourism sector, public authorities and all entities and organizations relevant to the development of tourism in the region. Furthermore, it will guarantee that the principles, objectives and action plans of the University of Madeira’s Tourism Observatory are aligned with the needs of the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.